JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, CMC:
WEST INDIES captain Brian Lara says he is looking for a confidence-boosting win from his side in this weekend's four-day match against club team Border in preparation for next week's second Test against South Africa.
Beaten by 189 runs in the first Test on Tuesday, the West Indies badly need to win or avoid defeat in the second Test in Durban to remain competitive in the series.
The four-day match against Border beginning tomorrow in East London offers practice and space in between Tests to mend injuries ahead of the Durban assignment.
"It's very important that we are going to be able to go back work on our game. I would like to see a result in East London to be honest, we need to get a winning habit in," Lara said.
MORALE-BOOSTING RESULTS
Lara said their script for Zimbabwe and warm-up matches in South Africa had been to secure morale-boosting results but the plan was disrupted.
"We tried in Zimbabwe, unfortunately in Bloemfontein (against Free State), of course we were down with injuries, we had to sort of play out the game, but we would like to get into that winning habit and this is going to be a very important game for us in East London," he added.
It is unclear whether Chris Gayle (strained hamstring) will recover in time for the Boxing Day second Test, but he is not the only injury concern in the squad.
Pacer Corey Collymore was also hampered by injury during the first Test and is also not expected to play this weekend.
"I think he (Collymore) would need definitely some time to get back fit," Lara said.
Reserves Dave Mohammed, Dwayne Smith, Adam Sanford, Carlton Baugh and Ravi Rampaul are all in line to play against Border although the regulars will still be considered, to keep match sharp ahead of Durban.
"I think they (the reserves) will be playing a part, yes you want to get guys that are playing in Test matches, or the guys that you think are going to be selected (in the Test match) playing, and getting the practice, but it's also necessary to get some rest as well," Lara said.
